Choosing an internet service provider can be a daunting task. With so many options to pick from, it’s tough to know which one will best meet your needs. Two popular providers many are considering are Windstream and Mediacom. But which one reigns supreme?
This comprehensive guide will compare Windstream and Mediacom on critical factors like speed, reliability, coverage, pricing, and more. Read on to see which provider comes out on top.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Windstream | Mediacom |
| Technology | DSL | Cable |
| Speeds | 6Mbps – 100Mbps | 60Mbps – 940Mbps |
| Reliability | Poor | Mediocre |
| Coverage Area | Rural | Suburban/Urban |
| Bundled Services | Phone, TV, Security | Phone, TV |
| Contracts | 12-36 months | None |
| Data Caps | 150GB/month | Unlimited |
| Starting Price | $47/month | $39.99/month |
| Customer Service | Subpar | Subpar |
Overview Of Windstream
Windstream is one of the largest internet service providers in the United States. The company primarily uses digital subscriber line (DSL) technology to provide internet access over telephone lines. Windstream offers several tiers of DSL internet plans with speeds ranging from 6 Mbps to 1 Gig. The provider has over 4 million customers across 21 states.
Some key things to know about Windstream:
- Available in both rural and suburban areas
- Typically uses copper DSL lines rather than fiber
- Offers bundles with phone, TV, and home security
- 24/7 customer support based in the U.S.
- Contract lengths can range from 12 to 36 months
Overview Of Mediacom
Mediacom is the 5th largest cable internet provider in the U.S. with coverage in 22 states. The company uses a hybrid fiber-coaxial network to deliver high-speed internet via cable lines. Speeds range from 60 Mbps to 1 Gig with their Xtream Gig plan.
Here are some Mediacom fast facts:
- Only available in areas with existing cable infrastructure
- Uses newer DOCSIS 3.1 technology for faster speeds
- Bundles available with cable TV and phone service
- No contracts required for internet service
- U.S.-based customer service and technical support
Now that we’ve introduced both companies, let’s compare them directly on the metrics that matter most.
Internet Speeds Comparison
When it comes to internet speeds, Mediacom is the clear winner. With cable internet, Mediacom can deliver faster and more consistent speeds than DSL-based Windstream.
The fastest widely available plan from Windstream tops out at 100 Mbps. Mediacom’s cable speeds go all the way up to 1 Gig (940 Mbps) with their Gigabit Pro plan. Even at lower tiers, Mediacom outperforms Windstream.
Here’s a direct comparison of speeds at each tier:
| Plan | Windstream Speed | Mediacom Speed |
| Basic | 6 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
| Middle | 50 Mbps | 400 Mbps |
| Fastest | 100 Mbps | 940 Mbps |
For most households, Mediacom can provide enough bandwidth for multiple high-demand activities like streaming HD video, online gaming, and video conferencing simultaneously. Windstream’s slower DSL speeds may choke with heavy usage across multiple devices.
Advantage: Mediacom
Reliability Comparison
Nothing is more frustrating than an unreliable internet connection. Both Windstream and Mediacom suffer from middling marks when it comes to consistent uptime and performance.
Windstream customers report frequent connection drops and slow speeds during peak usage times. The provider earned a poor rating on the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Mediacom doesn’t fare much better in reliability. Outages are common during severe weather. The provider also routinely ranks near the bottom for customer satisfaction.
In short, neither ISP shines when it comes to dependable service. But Mediacom’s faster speeds make the interruptions slightly more tolerable.
Slight Advantage: Mediacom
Coverage Area Comparison
Since Windstream primarily uses DSL, it’s able to provide internet access to many rural areas lacking robust cable infrastructure. The provider offers service in 21 states across the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Mediacom focuses on smaller metro areas and suburbs. The cable provider only covers 22 states mainly concentrated in the Central, Southern, and Midwestern U.S.
Those in extremely remote areas will likely only have access to Windstream. But Mediacom generally serves more populated suburbs and cities. Check availability at your address to see which provider is available.
Advantage: Windstream
Bundled Services Comparison
Bundling your internet with other services generally saves you money compared to purchasing each one individually. Both Windstream and Mediacom offer bundles, but Windstream has more options.
Windstream customers can bundle Kinetic internet with home phone, Dish TV, DirecTV, and home security monitoring. Bundles start at $89 per month.
Mediacom internet can be bundled with the provider’s TV and phone service. Bundles with internet, TV, and phone start at $139 per month.
Windstream gives you more flexibility to mix and match services from other companies. But if you want maximum savings, Mediacom bundles may be cheaper when you factor in all services.
Slight Advantage: Windstream
Also Read: Is Xfinity Better Than Hughesnet?
Price And Fees Comparison
Pricing is always going to be a major factor when selecting an internet provider. Both companies offer introductory discounts for the first year, but standard rates are very competitive.
Here’s how pricing shakes out for entry-level plans:
| Provider | Starting Monthly Price |
| Windstream 12 Mbps | $47 |
| Mediacom 60 Mbps | $39.99 |
Mediacom boasts cheaper plans across all speed tiers. You’ll lock in the biggest savings by signing up for a 2 or 3-year contract with Windstream. On a month-to-month basis, Mediacom has lower prices.
One advantage for Mediacom is no data caps on any speed tier. Windstream imposes data caps as low as 150 GB per month. Going over will incur overlimit fees up to $10 per 50 GB.
When it comes to fees, Windstream charges up to $199 for early termination and up to $99 for installation. Mediacom has no early termination fees and installation is free.
Advantage: Mediacom
Customer Service Comparison
Dealing with internet provider customer service is unavoidable at some point. You’ll want responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly support when you run into issues.
Unfortunately, neither company stands out when it comes to customer service. Windstream customers frequently complain of long wait times, unhelpful agents, and technicians missing appointments. Mediacom doesn’t fare much better with many reports of reps seeming untrained and providing wrong information.
Each company offers customer service 24/7, so at least extended availability is decent. But most interactions with support are likely to be frustrating for both Windstream and Mediacom users. It’s basically a wash.
Advantage: Tie
Also Read: Choose Between Cellcom And Verizon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Windstream offers very limited fiber internet service. Most customers receive copper DSL internet which is slower and less reliable than fiber optic or cable internet. Overall Windstream’s internet service gets poor reviews from customers.
Windstream promotional rates are competitive starting at $47 per month. But be wary of extra equipment fees, data overage charges, and eventually higher monthly prices after the first year. Contracts can also lock you into a higher rate.
Windstream’s slow DSL speeds and network congestion make it a poor choice for online gaming. Frequent lag spikes ruin the gaming experience. For reliable, low-latency gaming you’ll want cable internet like Mediacom over Windstream.
Windstream primarily uses DSL technology over copper telephone lines rather than cable. This limits speeds substantially compared to newer cable and fiber networks. Only a very small number of Windstream customers have access to fiber speeds.
Also Read: Differences Between Consumer Cellular And MetroPCS.
Final Verdict
Taking all the factors into consideration, Mediacom emerges as the stronger overall internet provider compared to Windstream. Here’s a quick summary of the major advantages for Mediacom:
- Faster top speeds up to 1 Gigabit
- Competitively priced lower monthly rates
- No burdensome contracts or data overlimit fees
- Bundles available for additional savings
The only areas where Windstream bests Mediacom are rural availability and flexibility of bundles. For most suburban and metro households, Mediacom cable internet is worth paying a few extra bucks a month for the vastly superior speeds. Mediacom’s lackluster reliability and customer service remain areas for improvement. But on balance, the provider gives you faster speeds and greater value than struggling Windstream.